The best street food markets and food halls in London

Street food is always evolving.

It’s a fast-moving, exciting industry and London’s best food halls, markets and stalls are ideal for experiencing it first hand. The capital is a melting pot of up-and-coming vendors pushing the boundaries, often in kitchens the size of a wardrobe. Many of them are trying a new concept, like duck confit burgers or the UK’s only cheese conveyor belt. Others have picked one dish like mac and cheese, then honed it to perfection. Others still aim to showcase perhaps less seen (and tasted) cuisines such as Uzbek or Guyanese.

One virtue of street food is the amount of choice there is. Food halls and markets typically have a wide range of vendors to choose from, often with a huge amount of variety between them. It’s almost daunting, wandering around browsing the sights and smells, trying to decide which kiosk best deserves your custom. We all know the feeling of deciding, ordering and the food arriving, only to then see an even better dish go past.

This is why street food is best enjoyed in groups. That way you and a team of fellow foodies can cover as many bases as possible. Some places are historic markets, soaked in history and boasting beautiful architecture, while others are more modern concepts, offering live music, DJ sets and more. Either way, these food hubs make great places for a day (or night) out, with any size of group (or a date for that matter).

We’ve scoured the city and picked our absolute favourite street food destinations, including both indoor food halls and outdoor markets. Each one has a summary of why we like it, which cuisine it is, our favourite dish, where to find it, and a link to some more info. What more could you need? So, let’s dive into the best street food in London.

The best indoor food halls in London

As we all know, you can never rely on nice weather in London. Luckily, these food halls all have a roof!

Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant and Castle

What: Mercato Metropolitano’s name might suggest that this food hall is all Italian. Actually, the name comes from the market's first location in Milan, and Mercato has over 40 traders serving up global food. While there is plenty of Italian food (artisanal pizza, pasta and Italian craft beer just to name a few), there is also Vietnamese, Venezuelan, Japanese, Uzbek and more. There are multiple cocktail bars and beer stalls, a huge covered outdoor area, an on-site microbrewery and even a hidden music theatre.
Where: 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR
Read more: Mercato Metropolitano

Bang Bang Oriental, Edgware

What: Often referred to as ‘big enough to rival Chinatown’, this oriental food hall has a serious amount of choice (24 kiosks, to be exact), as well as 450 seats. Taste Malaysian nasi goreng from Coconut Tree, Japanese Okayodon from Ichiban, Chinese dumplings from Xi Home and much, much more. The only catch when it comes to Bang Bang Oriental is that it’s even remotely as central as the other halls and markets on this list, but it's worth the hike to Colindale.
Where: 399 Edgware Road, NW9 0FH
Read more: Bang Bang Oriental

Mercato Mayfair, Mayfair

What: The second of four Mercatos (the others being in Canary Wharf and Ilford), Mercato Mayfair is housed in a Grade-I listed church on North Audley Street. The two-floor space is home to authentic global cuisine, including artisanal gin, bao buns, pad thai, pizza and more. It also boasts a rooftop terrace, wine cellar and community space in the basement. There are even free music classes and performances for all ages, with the aim of making jazz and opera available to local families. Walk-ins are welcome, although booking is recommended for larger groups.
Where: St Mark’s, North Audley Street, W1K 6ZA
Read more: Mercato Mayfair

Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden

What: Seven Dials was street food incubator KERB’s first step indoors. This glass-roofed, airy space in Covent Garden is home to a range of up-and-coming vendors. Downstairs, you’ll find communal tables and street food, while upstairs is more countertop cafés. Burger fans can chow down at Mother Flipper, cheese-lovers can enjoy the world’s first cheese conveyor belt at Pick & Cheese, and there's plenty on the dessert front too courtesy of Soft Serve Society, Wheelcake Island and more. Drinks-wise, Bar Nana serves up tropical cocktails and Gipsy Hill beers, while the Chai Guys serve authentic cups of aromatic tea. There’s even a bookshop!
Where: 35 Earlham Street, WC2H 9LD
Read more: Seven Dials Market

Kingly Court, Carnaby

What: Kingly Court is a three-floor, alfresco food court in the heart of Carnaby. Well, there are three floors to the untrained eye. Actually, there is a fourth floor below ground, which is home to the tube station-themed speakeasy Cahoots. On the ground floor, you’ll find the main communal eating area, with staple restaurants like Shoryu Ramen, Korean Dinner Party and Pizza Pilgrims. One up, you’ll find some lesser-known gems like Señor Ceviche, which specialises in Peruvian-Japanese fusion. Ascending further still, you’ll find Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, Darjeeling Express, more foodie favourites and even a yoga studio.
Where: Kingly Street, W1B 5PW
Read more: Kingly Court

Peckham Levels, Peckham

What: It would be pretty reductive to call Peckham Levels just a food hall, since it’s also a club, venue and community centre, with classes, workshops, gigs and more happening across its seven floors. But, since it does have some great street food, it still deserves a place on this list. Aside from the drinks courtesy of Near & Far, there is a curated selection of food here, including Neapolitan pizza, Korean fried chicken, jerk chicken and more. Don’t miss the rooftop bar on the seventh floor, boasting some of the best views in south east London.
Where: 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Read more: Peckham Levels

Market Halls, Victoria, Oxford Street and Canary Wharf

What: Another big hitter in the street food game, Market Hall offers over 200 dishes across its three prime locations. Each hall is different, so we recommend checking them all out, but they all have a bar, delicious food traders, plenty of communal seating and great transport links. You'll find the excellent DF Tacos and Gopal's Corner (a delicious sister site to Roti King) at all three locations. 
Where: 191 Terminus Place, SW1E 5NE; 9 Holles Street, W1G 0BD; 25 North Colonnade, E14 5HD
Read more: Market Hall Victoria; Market Hall Oxford Street; Market Halls Canary Wharf

Arcade, Tottenham Court Road and Battersea

What: JKS Restaurants has revamped the original Arcade site in Tottenham Court Road and added a second in Battersea, making these two of the most exciting, progressive dining destinations in the city. You'll find some street food vendors a present at both - notably Manna's excellent smash burgers, Shatta & Toum's Middle Eastern mezze and shawarma plates, and Sushi Kamon's elaborate sushi rolls. Each location also has some unique all-star attractions - at Tottenham Court Road you'll find Luke Farrell's superb Plaza Khao Gaeng, whilst Arcade Battersea boasts BAO Battersea, Flat Bread by Thomas Straker and Solis, which serves up outstanding chicken, steak and chips with Portuguese flair.
Where: 103-105 New Oxford Street, WC1A 1DB; 1st Floor 330 The Power Station, SW11 8DD
Read more: Arcade Food Hall

The best outdoor food halls in London

If the sun comes out, head to these outdoor food havens ASAP. We never know how long it will last!

Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey

What: This cosy little alleyway alongside the Southwark railway arches is one of London’s most popular street food spots come the weekend, and because it’s only open for limited hours it’s always heaving. You’ll find all sorts of delicious treats in the market (we’re always game for a Mooncheese toastie or a sandwich from Banh Mi Nen) but there are also excellent restaurants nearby like 40 Maltby Street and Poulet.
Where: Ropewalk, Maltby Street, SE1 3PA
Read more: Maltby Street Market

Broadway Market, Hackney

What: One of London’s most famous and most visited markets, Broadway is always a hive of activity as traders line up along the middle of the street selling everything from cooked food to produce, clothing, baked goods and more. This is also a hub for some top quality restaurants - Sune is well worth a visit, as is Buen Ayre if you’re a steak fan.
Where: Broadway Market, E8 4PH
Read more: Broadway Market

Old Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields

What: Old Spitalfields was once a bit naff but it’s had a serious lick of paint and change of direction over the last few years, and there’s some quality food to be found in this enormous East London semi-open market. As well as solid restaurants like Galvin Bar & Bistro, you also have a host of street food spots in the middle of the market, including delicious soup dumplings from Dumpling Shack and plenty more.
Where: Spitalfields Estate, 65 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA
Read more: Old Spitalfields Market

Netil Market, Hackney

What: Just around the corner from Broadway Market, Netil Market is rather smaller, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with quality food vendors and some lovely, friendly little shops. Some fantastic restaurants have started at Netil Market over the years - BAO, for example, as well as Sonora Taqueria and Pockets - so when you come here you could be about to discover London’s next big food craze.
Where: 13-23 Westgate Street, E8 3RL
Read more: Netil Market

Deptford Market Yard, Deptford

What: One of London’s newer spots, Deptford Market Yard is a fantastic addition to south east London, with a series of lovely street food vendors nestled in under the renovated brick railway arches by Deptford Station. There’s loads of good stuff to try out here, but we can vouch for Taca Tacos’ excellent Cali-style tacos, Sharkbait & Swim’s delicious seafood, and the tastebud-tingling chicken from Jerk Yard.
Where: Deptford Market Yard, SE8 4BX
Read more: Deptford Market Yard

Pop Brixton, Brixton

What: A kind of hybrid food hall/market, Pop Brixton has remained immensely popular since it opened. A Swiss army knife of a pop-up, this open-air ring of shipping containers boasts bars, cafes, street food, restaurants, a music venue, a barber, a record shop and much, much more. You can truly sample global cuisine with stalls representing every continent, as well as a good selection of places to drink. Don’t miss out on the music here though - it’s often free and always good.
Where: 49 Brixton Station Road, SW9 8PQ
Read more: Pop Brixton

Southbank Centre Food Market, Bankside

What: Another south London stalwart, the food market at the South Bank Centre is well-established in the street food sphere. Thanks to its proximity to the river, the market is a firm favourite for first dates (with so much choice, there’s plenty to talk about). There’s a good range here when it comes to portion size: from chocolate-drizzled crepes at Crepes a la carte all the way up to Korean barbecue bowls and Mauritian curries. There’s plenty to drink too, including a range of beers at The Hop Locker and sparkling wines at The Robin Wine Bar. There isn’t much seating, though, so watch out for spillages.
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Read more: Southbank Centre Food Market

Jubilee Market, Covent Garden

What: While it doesn’t have as much food choice as other markets and food halls on this list, there’s no denying how nice Jubilee Market is for a little stroll. A favourite of visiting tourists, there are kitsch stalls to buy jewellery, fudge and posters from as well as hot food kiosks. Tutti Frutti offers visitors smoothies and juices to drink and waffles to eat, perfect for breakfast. Later in the day, you might want to check out Prima Sapori D’Italia, which turns out classic Italian dishes.
Where: 1 Tavistock Street, WC2E 8BD
Read more: Jubilee Market

Borough Market, London Bridge

What: Arguably the most famous food market in London, Borough Market needs little introduction. Originally a wholesale market, this prime London Bridge location is now home to street food, restaurants, bars, coffee stands and more. Popular chains like Tapas Brindisa, BAO Borough and Bob’s Lobster have set up shop here, while street food stalls include Flat Cap Coffee, Gourmet Goat (Cypriot) and Joli (Malaysian). The market is so massive, we have a whole in-depth guide to the best restaurants in Borough Market that you can check out.
Where: 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL
Read more: Borough Market

If you're looking for something a little more lively, check out our list of fun places to eat in London. Or, if you're looking for big flavours and low prices, check out our guide to the best cheap eats in London, which we've broken into sections for pizza, noodles, pasta, burgers and more.